THE THANKSGIVING OF 
PRAISEGOD PENTY 



-by- 



JULIA M. MARTIN 




PRICE 25 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio 222 Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Logan Street 



rf£ 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties • 
for Church, School or Lodge 



Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all work. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Bright ville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Here is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. I-t is in 5 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 

Finding the Key 

A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Easter. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



The Thanksgiving of 
Praisegod Penty 



By JULIA M. MARTIN 



PRICE 25 CENTS 

Copyright 1921, by Julia M. Martin 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 
Franklin, Ohio Denver, Colo. 

944 S. Logan St, 



* 0, 



1 ^>' 



Cast of Characters 



The Pentys, a Puritan family, who have had the 
courage to rear their dwelling four miles from Charles- 
town, on what is now the Salem road, are at breakfast. 
They include. 

Praisegod Penty, the head of the family. 
Dame Mercy Penty, his wife. 
Uncle Nathan Penty, his brother. 
Dick Penty, age fourteen. 
Little Prudy. 



DEC 30 "22 

©Cl.0 ' 63551 



The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 



Uncle Nathan — And this day they hold the thank- 
ful feast, because the ship has providently come! Feast! 
with a blizzard swirling all around us, piling the drift. 
'Twan't bad enough, it seems, to have no horse, no road 
to new supplies — No! We must have the snowdrift 
pile up, too. We'll hold our thankful feast next June, 
I doubt, happen we still survive by then to eat it. 

Mercy — Yet have another clam, good Uncle Penty. 
Perhaps they will not taste so ill this morning, because 
we know the ship has come at last. Father, another 
bowl of roasted acorns? I like them, since relief is close 
at hand. Did he not say that horses might be had as 
soon as weather modified? 

Praisegod — Who, Mother? 

Uncle — Who? Why, the unregenerate young fellow 
who came here preaching vitiated doctrine, the day you 
went to Charlestown, Brother Praisegod. 

Praisegod — You did not say he came to preach, 
good wife. 

Dick — Prudy, would you have thought he was a 
preacher? 

Prudy — Oh, Richard, no — I don't believe he could 
be. He wasn't like the Reverend Mr. Tindale; he told me 
pretty tales about the goblins. I couldn't be afraid of 
Mr. Williams. 

Mercy — I do not think he came to force his doc- 
trine. He happened, though, to speak with Uncle Penty 
touching the poor, benighted souls of red men. 

Uncle — A firebrand among us, Brother Praisegod! 
He says the unregenerated savage may not be wholly 



4 The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 

lost, if simple conscience is listened to — the only guid- 
ance given. 

Mercy — Better a mind benighted, he declared, but 
upward-struggling out of degradation, than membership, 
if membership were all. 

Uncle — Think of it, Praisegod — those benighted 
wretches whose creed is only worship of the devil, and 
who at this very moment may be plotting to stamp the 
white man out of these plantations! 

Dick — He thought we have no need to fear the In- 
dians; he didn't think they meant to be unfriendly the 
day that Uncle nearly came to trouble. Either misun- 
derstood the other, he says. 

Prudy — He's learning how to speak a funny way — 
with Indian words. And oh, they made us laugh. 

Dick — He's been among the savages already and 
learned a hundred interesting things, although he's 
been here only twenty days. 

Uncle — The fact that he is hanging round the red 
men should tell you what he is — a widely-ranging, unor- 
thodox young fellow, very clearly. I tell you, we shall 
find we have among us a firebrand, in this young Roger 
Williams. 

Mercy — You had some trouble, Uncle, with the In- 
dians? 

Dick — {aside to Prudy) Had Mother been there, 
she would call it, rather, trouble the Indians had with 
Uncle Nathan. 

Uncle — That's neither here nor there. 

Praiesgod — (with a quiet smile) We promised Na- 
than we should not let the story get abroad, didn't we, 
Dick? 

Uncle — (uneasily) Hark, how the wind roars by! 

Praisegod — Son, do you think we'll ever manage, 
though, to keep our little secret from the goodwife? 

Dick — It would be fun to try it, wouldn't it, Fa- 
ther? I told you we should think of something new to 



The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 5 

keep us busy till the storm was over. (To Mercy.) I've 
never kept one from you, have I, Mother? 

(There is a knock at the door. Praisegod reaches 
down his matchlock and lays it in a handy, but not of- 
fensive, position. Uncle Penty manifests symptoms of 
nervousness. Enter, with a blast of ivind and a flurry 
of snow, Roger Williams, heavily muffled in a wool scarf, 
about the head, and in thick homespuns and high knitted 
socks. He, too, has a matchlock, which he leans against 
the wall.) 

Mercy — Why, Goodman Williams — welcome! Is it 
possible, in such a storm? Come — draw the bench up, 
Dick. {Dick draws a bench to the fire; Praisegod puts 
on fresh logs.) And, Prudy, reach the caddy down for 
Mother. Sir, you are nearly frozen, I declare. Tis well 
we have the kettle hot for tea. (She helps him unwind 
his long muffler, sets a plate for him, and otherwise 
busies herself for his comfort.) 

Praisegod — (to Williams) Now, not too near the 
fire at first, you know — happen you'll have a touch of 
frosted ears, toes, or the like. Dick, bring a bowl of 
snow. 

(Dick goes quickly to the door with a bowl. .He op- 
ens the door and shoivs some interest in an object beside 
the doorstep, but says nothing.) 

Roger Williams — I feel none. Spare your trouble, 
Master Dick. (To Praisegod.) And thank you,sir. 

Praisegod — I take it you're a stranger. 

Williams — You're Mr. Penty? 

Praisegod — Yes. 

Williams — My name is Williams. 

(They shake hands.) 

Yes, I arrived but with the latest ship. 

Praisegod — You're not accustomed, then, to such a 
blizzard. 

Williams — Keen as a knife cut, isn't it, that wind? 



The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 



Praisegod — You walked from Boston? 

Williams— Recently I did. But Thursday ftight I 
rested with the Indians. 

Praisegod — You've come a goodly distance, then. 

Mercy — And last night? 

Williams — I slept within a tree-hole, which the 
Lord had providently hollowed, in His goodness. It was 
a blessed sleep. 

Praisegod — But none too warm? 

Williams — Well, I am none the worse. 

Uncle — Hm! what occasion one finds for such a 
trip through drift and blizzard, is best beknown to you, 
sir. 

Williams — I was taking a medicine that offered 
some relief to a sorely stricken Indian. 

Mercy — Goodman Williams, this tea will bring the 
blood into your fingers. Sit up, and don't be delicate. I 
knew you'd need a plenty, so I made it weak. (To Prudy, 
who, anxious to be helpful, is holding out the clam dish.) 
Not this, dear — hotter clams are on the crane. 

Prudy — You mustn't be afraid to drink our tea, for 
we don't never use it, do we, Mother? Not any more. 

Williams — (stopping amid-cups) Confess, dear 
Mistress Penty, these were the last few pinches in the 
caddy, heroically hoarded all the winter, perhaps for 
some emergency. 

Mercy — (smiling) This is one. But no — we've still 
a bit, sir, in the caddy. (To Uncle Penty, who shows 
uneasiness.) Enough to last us nicely till the new comes. 

Prudy — 'Cause Uncle drinks it always, don't you, 
Uncle? 

Mercy — Prudy ! 

Uncle — Tis little comfort, sir, at that, one has in 
this rude wilderness. In Holland we never lacked, at 
least, for things of this world. 

Williams — Ah, yes! 'Twas doubtless pleasant 
there in Holland. 



The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 7 

Mercy — Very. The folk of Holland were so friendly ! 

Uncle — I never had a bit of use for Dutchmen. 
Their worship, sir, was little short of heathen. 

Mercy — (holding out a dish) We're still enjoying 
acorns, Mr. Williams. So high the snows have drifted, 
we're unable to share the recent blessings of the cargo, 
until the weather mitigates a little. 

(Nathan hugs the fire closer. Praisegod is busied 
in stirring it.) 

Mercy — (slyly to Williams) And so, sir, you do 
not believe the Indians intended s;ny wrong to Uncle 
Nathan? 

Williams — Not in the least, until, you see, they 
thought the worthy man had come intent to woo. 

Mercy — Our Uncle Penty wooing? How can that 
be? 

Dick — Oh, but he wasn't — (Suddenly stops his own 
mouth.) 

Williams — No. Your husband's brother. While 
they were hewing timbers in the woods, missing his 
pewter mug, accused an Indian, who happened to be pass- 
ing, of the theft. 

Dick — (to Prwdy) He's telling. What a joke on 
Uncle Nathan, after he had us bottled up so nicely! 

Williams — The Indian was a damsel, young and 
comely, who, after fetching water from the spring, was 
now about to paddle from the shore. The damsel, when 
the worthy Mr. Penty conveyed to her by sign his ac- 
cusation, indignantly invited him, in gesture, to follow 
her and search in her canoe. He did so. But a brave 
upon the shore, thinking that he indeed had gone a-woo- 
ing — 

Uncle — (who now catches the drift of the conver- 
sation) That's neither here nor there! 

Williams — Let fly an arrow. 

Dick — Oh, Prudy, I shall die of joy. 

Mercy — 'Twas natural. 



8 The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 

Williams — Perfectly. With the use of tact and pa- 
tience we'll overcome the need of fear and arrows. I 
find the Indians ready to be friendly. 'Twas obvious, 
too, they had a sense of humor, as soon as I explained 
the situation. 

Uncle — I never had a bit of use for Indians. Their 
creed is nothing less than devil worship. 

Williams — (in astonishment) So? I assure you, 
those of hereabout had given me no reason to believe so. 
With simple ears they listened, but with ready, to all 
that had relation to the Spirit — "The Great and Good 
Spirit" — so they call Him. And hospitality seems a ra- 
cial virtue. They pressed upon me gifts I could not 
take, but to avoid offending them, was forced to bear 
away; and I shall turn them over to Charlestown folks, 
to testify the hearts of God's unlessoned children of the 
forest. 

Dick — (to Prudy) And I know what the gift was — 
Indian corn. I saw it, where he left it by the door. 

Praisegod — Brother, it much rejoices us to learn 
these things of good report about God's creatures. 

Mercy — It does, indeed. Another good, hot clam? 
I know they seem no dainty to you now, sir. But these 
I cooked by methods of my own. I hope you'll not refuse. 

Williams — No more indeed — . I have partaken 
twice, with greatest relish. (Rises.) 

Uncle — I never had a bit of use for clams. 

Williams — Perhaps you were not born upon a 
coast. I thought good Mistress Penty's dish delicious. 

Uncle — Now, English king and laws I have no use 
for; and English church is little short of heathen; but 
I'll remember always how the housewives of England 
used to roast the good old goose, and serve it with a lit- 
tle touch of sauce. Ah, sir (lugubriously) such sauce 
we'll never come by here. (To Mercy.) I doubt you've 
quite forgotten how to make it, Mercy, had we the mak- 
ings of it, even. (To Williams.) We've had no game 
all winter, sir. 



The Thanksgiving of Praise god Penty 



Praisegod — The woods here are not a very heavy 
winter larder. 

Uncle — (singing nasally to the older tune of <f Blest 
Be the Tie that Binds," with the accent falling wrongly 
on the syllables) 

"The rivers on of Babylon, 
There where — ere — we di-id sit down, 
Yea, ee-ev-en there-ere we mourn-ed when-en 
We re-ee-member-ered Zion." 

Praisegod — (much depressed by Uncle Penty' s ef- 
forts) If we could only get the Indian corn! 

Dick — Since Uncle Nathan's mishap they won't sell 
it. (Mercy silences him by a quiet sign.) 

Uncle: — (quickly) I've little taste for corn bread, 
anyhow, but that's not here nor there. The question is, 
whether the thin, poor soil of this New England will ever 
yield corn, or aught other thing. I doubt the Indians use 
the art of magic to bring their fields to bearing. 

Williams — That reminds me — Go fishing, just be- 
fore you plant your corn, and put a little fish in every 
hill. An Indian boy instructed me in that. 

Uncle — It seems un-Christian, eating Indian corn. 
And there — I told you they resort to magic! 

Williams — No, I think not, sir. I have oft ob- 
served that where a graveyard is, or animal bones, the 
soil is very fertile. That, perhaps, is why the red men 
use the little fishes. (Rises.) 

Praisegod — Goodman, you've done us all a right 
good turn in telling us this thing, if it be true. Come 
back next year and share our harvest home. 

Dick — And teach us how to make that Indian pud- 
ding. 

Uncle — Hm! I should little fancy Indian dishes. 

Williams — (to Praisegod and Richard) And, now, 
dear friends, I hope I may be pardoned for rushing off 
so early after meat. (Shakes hands all around.) I have 



10 The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 



a heavy wallow through the drift before I come to 
Charlestown, as you know. 

Mercy — (bringing his scarf, etc.) Muffle up well 
your throat, good Mr. Williams, before you face that 
wintry blast again. 

Williams — (shaking hands last with Mercy) I 
thank you each, and gentle Mistress Penty, for all the 
kindness met beneath this roof-beam. 

Mercy — And now, a lucky journey. 

( Williams shoulders his matchlock.) 

Williams — (to all) God preserve you. 

Uncle — I noticed that he said his grace before, in- 
stead of after, meat. I can't abide him, with all his 
tricks and godless innovations. They overturn the old, 
established ways. 

Praisegod — Brother, a man who braves a storm 
like this, to ease a bit some redskin's moan of pain, can't 
be entirely vicious, nor corrupt. 

Uncle — Well, you shall see what comes of — 

Mercy— Sh! What's that? 

Dick — A falling tree, perhaps. I heard it, too. 

Mercy — A muffled noise. 

Praisegod — 'Twas like the dull report a matchlock 
might have made in all the storm. 

Uncle — I say, that innovation smacks of heresy — 

( There is a dull thud against the door. Without hes- 
itation, Mercy opens it, Praisegod hurrying protecting- 
ly to her side.) 

Mercy — Father, see what he's left us! 

Praisegod — (roaring through the storm) Thank 
you ! Thank you ! Good neighbor Williams ! 

Mercy — I don't think he heard you. Already he is 
hidden by the snowstorm. 

Dick — Prudy! Prudy! Come here — see what we 
have. (Praisegod lifts from the doorstep a fat par- 
tridge — ruffled grouse, and a bag of Indian meal.) 



The Thanksgiving of Praisegod Penty 11 

Dick — (teasingly) Now, what a shame it is that 
Uncle Nathan hasn't a bit of use for Indian maize! 
There should be plenty acorns left for him, though, for 
I'd as soon have bread of Indian meal, as Mother makes 
it. 

Prudy — Oh, and so should I. But, Uncle, you'll en- 
joy the roasted partridge? 

Uncle — It can't compare with roasted English 
goose; there's nothing like the goose. I well remember 
they served it with a little touch of sauca — 

Praisegod — (at last losing patience) Children, it 
is the blessed day of thanks. Let us forget it not. 

Mercy — (softly) The Lord provides. 




IS? 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties 
for Church, School or Lodge 



Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all work. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brightville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Here is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in 5 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 



Finding the Key 



A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Easter. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



3/ 



USE THESE ON ANY SCHOOL PROGRAM 



TUNEFUL OPENING 
AND CLOSING SONGS 

——■■III I IIJAbl IB IIMII I I ■ : -g^,,.- TB^Trr«fW»»»»~ — =— ~THT»TMTT-inir 

PRICE 35 CENTS EACH 

You're Welcome If You Keep Right 
Still. 

If We Were You and You Were lis! 

We'll Try to Make You Come Again. 

It's Very Clear Your Welcome Here. 

Hello, Everybody — -Glad to See You 
Here. 

WitS a Tear In One Eye, We Will 
Tell You Goodbye. 

It's Time to Tell You All Goodbye. 



THESE WILL MAKE YOUR 
WHOLE. ENTERTAINMENT' 
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ELDRIME ENTERTAINMENT MOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also 944 S. Logaa, BEMVER, COLO. 






HI 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




A-B-C-Capers 



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for the Primary Grades or Kindergarten. Little Tim's 
despair in not being able to master letters is turned 
to keen interest by the antics of the alphabet troupe. 
Plays about 20 minutes. Price, ?5c. 

Emily's Dream 

By Mary Frix Kidd. This is the story of a Geogra- 
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nations. Time, about 1 hour. Price, 25c. 

The Love Flower 

By Bell Elliott Palmer. A very pretty exercise for 6 
or 10 girls and 1 boy. Suitable for Children's Day or 
Easter, and can be given either in or out of doors. 
Time, 10 minutes. Price, 15c. 



The Silver Sandals 



By Banche Thompson. Ths is a charming new play 
for 6 boys, 5 girls, fairies, peasants, attendants, etc. 
The Princess is downhearted and refuses to be con- 
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When Betty Saw the Pilgrims 

By Margaret Howard. A pretty story showing how 
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dren can be used. Plays about 30 minutes. Price, 
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Princess Rosy Cheeks 



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sized cast required with two older children. Plays 
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Queen Loving Heart 

By Jean Ross. A splendid children's play, teaching 
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Plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 



also 



DENVER, COLO. 
944 S. Logan St. 



^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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